Rome Must Perish-Chapter 156 - 113: The Surprise Attack of the Roman Army_2

"How do we ensure safety?"

"We have the Women’s Guard."

"You have too many people in the Female Camp; the Guard won’t be able to care for everyone properly."

"Then, let’s call a few Centurions to secure the shores for us," Acronis interjected.

Maximus immediately opened his mouth, ready to voice his objection.

Acronis quickly added, "We were all born as female slaves; we don’t fear being seen. Besides, we are all brothers and sisters here—I trust the soldiers guarding us won’t cross the line."

"...Alright then, I’ll agree," Maximus reluctantly answered.

When Maximus’ order was relayed to the camp, the soldiers burst into excited cheers, scrambling for the chance to guard the Female Camp.

..........................................

Early the next morning, Maximus was awakened by Akegu: "Leader, Hagux has urgent news!"

Maximus jolted upright, sitting up in an instant: "Bring him in quickly."

Hagux hurried into the command tent, his expression anxious: "Leader, my subordinates just reported that a large number of Roman soldiers suddenly appeared near Castellum!"

Maximus was now wide awake, startled out of his drowsiness.

Although he had never visited Pisenum before, he had memorized its map thoroughly. He clearly remembered that Castellum was a coastal town situated between Ascoli Port and Atennum, even closer to Atennum.

"Didn’t you report yesterday that the area ahead had been quiet with no enemy activity? How has an entire Roman Army suddenly emerged?!" Maximus instinctively questioned, his tone sharp due to his urgency.

"Leader, I assure you, my men absolutely did not slack off yesterday. They continuously scouted the towns along the way, with observation posts as far as seventy to eighty miles out at Ascoli Port. Thanks to the convenient coastal roads and the lack of resistance from local residents, we dared send reconnaissance riders that far. We truly detected nothing unusual! If my men hadn’t strictly carried out their tasks and gone scouting at dawn today, we wouldn’t have uncovered the enemy this early!" Hagux argued, his voice rising in protest.

Maximus calmed himself slightly, softening his tone: "How many enemies are there?"

"My men prioritized reporting back quickly upon discovering the enemy, so they didn’t have time to assess the numbers thoroughly. However, they left people behind to continue observing. We should receive a more detailed report very soon."

"Akegu, notify the Bugler to sound the copper horn immediately!"

"Casius... you and the others, go and inform the three Legion Commanders about the enemy presence! Tell them to gather their troops quickly!"

"Yes, sir!"

"Yes, sir!"

"Also, bring Quintus and Flanitnus here immediately!"

"Woo! Woo! Woo!..." The urgent blare of the copper horn pierced the air, rousing the previously silent camp into motion.

Upon arriving at the command tent and hearing Maximus’ briefing, Quintus and Flanitnus immediately sensed the gravity of the situation. Bending down, they scrutinized the map. frёewebnoѵēl.com

Flanitnus, his expression severe, pointed out, "Castellum is only twenty miles from us. Under normal marching conditions, it would take the Roman Army at least half a day to arrive. However, their appearance there now clearly indicates they’re aiming for us.

If they’ve prepared in advance—ditching supplies, traveling light, and moving swiftly along the coastal roads—their speed would dramatically increase. In roughly three or four hours, they could reach us.

Leader, we now have only two options. Either we retreat immediately to link up with Spartacus’ forces... But just preparing to move our troops would take significant time, and our cumbersome Supply Team would slow us down further. If the enemy catches us while we’re marching, we’ll face serious trouble! Or—"

He emphasized, "We gather all our soldiers and form defensive lines along the river to repel the Roman Army’s attack. Simultaneously, we must notify Attutmus and Spartacus, urging them to bring reinforcements immediately.

Attutmus’ forces aren’t far from us; they should be able to arrive before the Roman Army does. Together, our combined troops would number close to forty thousand. Additionally, the river serves as a natural barrier, enabling us to confront the Roman Army directly!

Though Spartacus’ army is farther away, he’ll undoubtedly push his troops to the limit to reach us. By the time he arrives, the Roman Army will likely be very fatigued. Then, Spartacus can launch a flank attack, allowing us to secure a decisive victory!"

By the time Flanitnus finished speaking, he was visibly excited. Maximus, however, remained calm and turned his gaze to Quintus, his Staff Officer: "Quintus, what’s your take on this?"

Still engrossed in the map, Quintus seemed lost in thought until Maximus called him back to the present. After a moment’s reflection, Quintus replied, "Why the Roman Army suddenly appeared around Castellum is likely due to one reason... The Roman forces stationed at Ascoli Camp may have sailed to Castellum Port under the cover of darkness via Ascoli Port. The distance between the two cities by sea is quite short, and with lighthouse guidance, the route is safer and more efficient than traveling overland.

That said, transporting such a large number of troops would require enough ships. I suspect the Roman Governor likely mobilized warships from Brindisi’s naval base. For him to orchestrate such an effort shows his determination to defeat us."

Quintus fixed his serious gaze on Maximus, adding, "Leader, Flanitnus’ suggestion was clear, but I want to stress something: the morale of our soldiers isn’t particularly high right now. If we choose to retreat, they may lose all fighting spirit. The Governor would swiftly pursue us, leading to total collapse!"

Maximus stroked his chin involuntarily, lowering his head as he fell into deep thought. This posture was partly to hide the faint frustration stirring in his heart: Two Roman veterans who usually bicker now united around one argument—no retreat, fight the enemy! Meanwhile, his first instinct upon learning of the Roman Army’s approach had been to retreat and regroup. Spartacus’ rebellion might achieve ultimate victory, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of his own forces suffering devastating losses... Yet retreating now indeed posed great dangers. If a total collapse occurred, an entire year’s painstaking efforts could be destroyed...

Under Quintus and Flanitnus’ piercing gaze, Maximus deliberated intensely, his hands behind his back forming tight fists that dampened with sweat. Finally, he gritted his teeth and declared, "You both... make good points. The Roman Army seeks to destroy us entirely—I’ll show them that my forces aren’t sheep to be slaughtered. We’re an unyielding rock! This battle, we’ll fight them head-on!"

Maximus’ words resonated with determination. Flanitnus passionately responded, "The Leader is absolutely right! This Roman Army underestimated us—they’ve endured a sleepless night, only to march twenty miles at a rapid pace to reach us. They won’t have the strength to fight us decisively. Meanwhile, our soldiers have undergone rigorous training and are eager for a battle to prove themselves. They’ll make the enemy pay dearly!"

Quintus added, "Before the Roman Army arrives, we must organize our defensive formations. To do so, we need detailed information about the Womans River’s terrain—where the waters are deep, where they are shallow, which areas are easy to ford, which areas are difficult... I believe that Marsi man who recently joined us is familiar with this terrain. We should summon him and thoroughly inquire."

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